First Steps to Setting Up Your Solo Practice: A Beginner’s Guide
Starting your own practice as a newly minted therapist is like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up. It can feel overwhelming, a little intimidating, and exciting all at once. You've spent years learning how to help others find clarity and comfort; now it's time to take a deep breath and help yourself do the same as you begin to build something beautiful from the ground up. Here’s your gentle, wise, cool-aunt-approved guide to setting up your solo practice with a bit more ease and a lot less stress.
Start with Your Vision and Values
Before diving into logistics, spend some time with a notebook and your thoughts. Picture the practice you want to create. What do you want clients to feel when they walk through your door (or click “join” on your virtual meeting)? What kind of impact do you hope to have? Write down the values and the vibe that you want your practice to embody. This will become your north star when you’re making decisions about everything from decor to the kinds of clients you want to serve. When you're clear on the “why,” the “how” often becomes a little easier.
2. Get Your Legal and Financial Ducks in a Row
Yep, it’s the “official” stuff. But once it’s handled, you’ll feel much more grounded and ready to focus on the work you love. Here’s a quick checklist for what to tackle:
Choose Your Business Structure: Do you want an LLC, sole proprietorship, or maybe even an S-Corp? Research the pros and cons of each and consider talking to a small business advisor or attorney. (Don't worry, you don’t need to know everything — just reach out for help when you need it.)
Get Licensed and Insured: Look into what your state requires for licensure and liability insurance. This might feel like a formality, but it protects you and gives you peace of mind.
Set Up Your Finances: Open a business bank account and keep your personal and business expenses separate. Even if you’re the only employee, having a dedicated account will make things so much cleaner when tax time comes around.
3. Find Your Workspace
Whether you’re seeing clients in person, online, or both, choose a space that feels like “you” and is comfortable for your clients. For virtual practices, this means finding a quiet, well-lit area with a neutral, welcoming background. If you’re renting a physical office, look for something that matches the energy you want to create — whether that’s cozy, modern, or minimalist.
If you’re unsure where to start, tour a few spaces and get a feel for what you want. Many places offer sublease options if you’re not ready for a full-time lease.
4. Set Up the Essentials: Scheduling, Billing, and Notes
There’s nothing like an efficient system to make you feel like a legit, confident business owner. Start by finding a practice management software that works for you. Look for one that handles scheduling, billing, and note-taking in one place (and HIPAA compliance is a must). Many platforms offer free trials, so experiment until you find one that feels intuitive and reliable.
When it comes to payment, decide whether you’ll be cash-based, accept insurance, or a mix of both. Insurance can be a headache to navigate at first, but if it’s part of your vision, find resources or colleagues who can help you through the process.
5. Get Comfortable with Marketing (It’s Not as Scary as It Seems!)
Let’s be real: you’re in this profession because you want to help people, not because you’re excited about “sales.” But think of marketing as a way to share your presence with those who need it. Start small. Create a simple website with information about your services, and make sure it reflects your unique personality and therapeutic approach. You don’t need a fancy design — just a few welcoming words and a photo that feels true to who you are.
If you’re up for it, create a social media account where you share helpful tips, therapy insights, or mental health resources. Showing up online can be a powerful way to make connections and grow your practice.
6. Trust Yourself, and Take It One Step at a Time
Starting a private practice is a process. You don’t have to have it all figured out today, and you don’t need to be “perfect” to be effective. If imposter syndrome sneaks in (and it will), remember that every therapist — yes, every single one — has been there, too.
You’ve made it this far, and that’s no small feat. Now, give yourself permission to grow into your new role at your own pace. Embrace the learning curve, lean on your community, and keep reconnecting with your vision. This practice is yours to shape, one intentional step at a time.